Frank Carpenter

Frank Carpenter found joy in hard work, a good joke and the freedom of flying an airplane. He loved woodworking, especially with lumber he milled on his own sawmill. He was happiest with a project to tackle or an adventure ahead.

The third of eight children born to Basil and Elna Carpenter, Frank grew up in Moline, Illinois. In October 1952, he married Diane Fjelman. Together they raised four children: Cheryl, Lynn, Carrie and Scott.

In those early years, the family lived at and managed the Moline Cemetery. Frank and his brother, Dave, handled funeral and grave preparations, while their father, Basil, engraved the stones.

Frank’s heart, however, was in working with lumber. Alongside his friend Frank DeWit, he built houses and took particular pride in the cabinets he crafted for many of those homes. True to his name, Frank Carpenter had become a carpenter.

In 1968, Frank acquired the Wilbert Burial Vault company. He modernized its operations and later purchased two other vault plants in Illinois. Traveling between the locations gave him the opportunity to fulfill his dream of becoming a pilot and owning a plane.

In the late 1980s, Frank flew to Buena Vista, Colorado, and fell in love with the mountain town. He purchased land for a ranch and built his home there. He enjoyed exploring the backcountry in his Jeep, riding horses, motorcycling and he continued to pursue his love of flying, especially in his aerobatic biplane.

In 2002, Frank married Linda Samuel Bundy, whose sons, Greg and Trace, became part of their blended family. Over their 25 years together, Frank and Linda lived in Buena Vista, Colorado, and Panama City, Florida. They enjoyed traveling, camping, dancing, playing cards, and spending time with family and friends.

In 2018, they settled in Loveland, Colorado, where they quickly made new friends among their neighbors and church members. They still maintain close ties with their Buena Vista friends.

Together, Frank and Linda’s family includes six children, 16 grandchildren, and 18 great-grandchildren.

Frank’s life was filled with work, laughter, and adventure. From the homes and cabinets he built, to the time he shared with family and friends, he leaves behind many memories to cherish.

Memorial Service will be held Saturday, November 28th at 1pm at First Congregational Church, 800 N Lincoln Ave, Loveland, CO. 80537. Reception to follow service at LoveFirst Community, 2000 N Lincoln Ave, Loveland, CO 80538.